Fri, 10/14/2022 - 09:08am | By: David Tisdale
Left: USM English Professor Dr. Angela Ball is presented a portrait of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building by USM College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Chris Winstead, a gift signifying 40 or more years of service, along with induction into the universitys Centennial Legacy Circle Right: USM Art Professor Jim Meade is presented his 50-year service pin by USM College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Chris Winstead.
A teacher affects eternity; he or she can never tell where their influence stops. Henry B. Adams
Long before social media, cell phones and Zoom meetings expanded the physical spaces between us, University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Professors Angela Ball and Jim Meade began establishing an in-person legacy cementing their reputations as among the best to hold forth in a classroom at the institution.
Meade came to the USM Hattiesburg campus in 1971 to join the faculty of its then Department of Art, as an assistant professor, with Dr. Ball following at the close of the decade as a visiting instructor of English in 1979. Together they have logged nearly 100 years in classrooms at the institution, and this fall resisted yet again the siren call of retirement, returning to do what they love most - teaching and inspiring their students products on canvases and through the written word.
For Meade, the pathway in life that led to USM wasnt easy. He grew up in poverty, and the tragic deaths of close family members in his teen years left him with the responsibility for three younger siblings. But he found great joy during that time as a Boy Scout in teaching the lessons of scouting to his younger cohorts in their quest for badges, along with working as a swimming instructor during the summer months. These experiences, he says, eventually revealed for him a career he felt suited for and wanted that of an educator - and his passion for it has not waned, even in the autumn of his life.
After studying for two years at the University of Virginia-Wise, Meade transferred to East Tennessee State University, where he earned bachelors and masters degrees in art before attaining an MFA from the University of Georgia. He has studied under established international artists, and his work has been on display in approximately 140 exhibitions, including 40 one-man shows and 17 overseas. Hes also lectured at universities in Asia and Europe.
As he pondered his job options upon approaching graduation at ETSU, one of Meades professors, Morton Brown, shared some sage advice.
The real action in higher education is at the state universities, Brown told him. These kids heading to the elite private schools - Harvard, Yale, Princeton - theyve got everything already education, money, privilege. Even if they dont graduate from college, they can fall back on their familys wealth or make their way in life through their talent, political, and economic connections.
The majority of our (ETSU) students are blue collar, working-class, first-generation college students much like those at other state (public) universities, Brown continued. These are the students working their way up from less privileged circumstances, and at these schools you get an opportunity to be a part of their success story.
USM Art Professor Jim Meade confers with a USM art student about the collection of compositions she will include in her senior project.
Meade feels USM holds a similar profile, and hes proud of his own students from the same kind of backgrounds who have gone on to paint self-portraits of success.
Many of the kids Ive taught here over the years are now living all around the world, enjoying interesting and rewarding careers in the arts, he said. Its gratifying to see what theyve accomplished.
As for his teaching philosophy, Meade says it is important to set the terms for instruction and be honest and consistent with your students.
Voltaire (the French philosopher) once said Gentlemen, define your terms. Well, teaching is a kind of deviation of that expression, Meade said. As an educator, I believe you should define the terms that make up your instruction and stay in the boundaries of those terms. I spend a good bit of the first part of a semester defining the terms.
Dr. Ball is a member of the USM English Programs prestigious Center for Writers faculty. She holds a bachelors degree from Ohio University, and MFA in Creative Writing (poetry emphasis) from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.
From 2013 to 2015, Dr. Ball was USMs Moorman Distinguished Professor of Humanities. Her extensive vita includes six volumes of poetry and hundreds of individual poems in prestigious publications such as the New Yorker and the Atlantic Monthly. She has served as editor of the Mississippi Review and as a Poet-in-Residence at the University of Richmond; shes been listed in Whos Who of American Writers and Editors and included in the Best American Poetry anthologies. She earned the Susan B. Herron Award for highest ranked fellow by the Mississippi Arts Council, along with multiple awards from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters.
I'm as dumbfounded as anyone that I have been doing this for so long, she said. But I enjoy meeting the students and feel grateful every day for the immense variety of them that we have, both undergraduate and graduate students. It's particularly great to see some who perhaps struggled in the past to open up, like slightly late blossoms, to reading and learning.
I find if I encourage them to respond honestly to the readings, good things are bound to happen. There's a constant back-and-forth of ideas and inspiration, most intensely with the graduate poets and writers, but also often with undergraduates.
Dr. Ball recounts when, for an advanced composition class, she gave an assignment based on Studs Terkel's book of interviews, Work. A student in that class interviewed a sanitation worker, who at length extolled the virtues of his job: good pay and benefits, and best of all, you are always finding stuff! People throw out lots of valuable things. This is one of the best interviews I've read anywhere.
It's experiences like these and others that bring Dr. Ball back to the classroom, what she sees as opportunities to get out of myself, be surprised, help, and learn.
I come back to get out of myself -- to avoid a tendency to brood and/or feel sorry for myself, she said. My life, like most people's, has had a measure of heartache and I would much rather hear my students' poems, essays, and class discussion than give in to that.
This past August, Dr. Ball taught an intersession class in world literature, and a student woke her up to a detail in a story she has taught several times, misreading it because she had previously ignored it.
The same class was asked, on the example of Jamaica Kincaid's brief story, "Girl," to impersonate a parent giving harsh advice, Dr. Ball continued. A Black student read an inspired list of things to avoid doing as a young Black man, a list that ended up dauntingly long. The class responded with a burst of appreciative finger-snaps.
And there's nothing more satisfying for her as a teacher, she explains, than finding out a poem shes helped a student edit has been published, or even an entire dissertation.
But yet, maybe there is something more satisfying, she reconsidered. To see a light go on somewhere inside a student who has struggled with writing and sees, "Yes, I can say things simply and clearly. "
Dr. Angela Ball discusses the latest assignment with students in a USM Center for Writers fall 2022 graduate seminar.
Kevin Walters, a Hattiesburg native and two-time graduate of USM who lives in Nashville, says a day does not go by that hes not benefitted in some way -- either directly or indirectly -- from what he learned in the classes he took from Professors Ball and Meade.
Professor Ball's poetry classes -- particularly those focusing on the work of poet Elizabeth Bishop -- broadened my perspective about art, writing, and the world in ways I had never experienced before. Similarly, Professor Meade was the kind of instructor who enlightened you about the history of art, even as he pushed you to do more and better drawings yourself.
I would be remiss if I did not mention their accomplishments outside the classrooms, and how their work as artists fed what they taught in their classes.
Earlier this year, Meade and Dr. Ball were recognized for their years of service to the university in an event hosted by the USM Department of Human Resources, where Dr. Ball was presented a portrait of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building, a gift signifying 40 or more years of service, along with induction into the universitys Centennial Legacy Circle; Meade was presented his service pin for 50 years-plus as a faculty member. The ceremony had been delayed due to the COVID-19 gathering restrictions of the last two years.
I so appreciated the lovely ceremony where the wonderful Jim Meade and I were recognized, Dr. Ball said. To be lauded for doing what we love is indeed lucky.
I will treasure the special portrait of the Dome given to me. In my imagination it is a portrait of me standing in front of a blackboard - or a white board - marveling at what my students have to say.
USM President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas says hes honored to count Meade and Dr. Ball as treasured colleagues and friends from their time together at the university.
Theyre both great artists and effective teachers, and certainly deserving to be honored for their exemplary work over the years as senior members of our faculty, Dr. Lucas continued.
Reflecting on his half century-plus career at USM, Meade has no regrets. I wouldnt change a thing, he said, adding that he hasnt set a date for calling it quits.
Ive done it for so long, I dont think I can break the habit. I really cant imagine doing anything else.
Read the rest here:
Timeless: USM Arts and Sciences Faculty Members Ball, Meade Cite Love for Students, Teaching as Keys to Longevity in Profession - The University of...
- Inside the longevity lab that aims to help people live longer - TODAY - February 27th, 2024
- I'm a longevity expert these are the 4 supplements I take every day to fight aging - New York Post - February 27th, 2024
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the 'Power 9' Rule - GQ - February 27th, 2024
- Im a longevity expert and there's six things you should do daily if you want to live longer' - Daily Record - February 27th, 2024
- Reducing the metabolic burden of rRNA synthesis promotes healthy longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans - Nature.com - February 27th, 2024
- Presidio Federal's Thad Anderson Receives WashingtonExec's Longevity Award - WashingtonExec - February 27th, 2024
- Faces of wealth, intellect and longevity, as revealed by veteran face reader - The Korea Herald - February 27th, 2024
- I'm a longevity expert here are the best foods to eat for a long and healthy life - New York Post - February 27th, 2024
- Danny Care: 'Pilates Has Helped with the Longevity of My Career' - Men's Health UK - February 27th, 2024
- Give Me This Mountain | Tips for Spiritual Longevity - Harvest.org - February 27th, 2024
- Chris Hemsworth did a 4-day fast to reverse aging. His trainer played a cheeky joke to test his willpower. - Yahoo Canada Shine On - February 27th, 2024
- Pet longevity is a spark about to turn into a wildfire - Longevity.Technology - February 27th, 2024
- The Longevity of Bitcoin's Bull Run; Polkadot and Up-and-Coming Memecoin Draw Crowds - Analytics Insight - February 27th, 2024
- 'This is weird': Experts 'shocked' by record-breaking longevity of Death Valley's phantom lake - Livescience.com - February 27th, 2024
- Understanding the Longevity of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses to Infection and Vaccination - Medriva - February 27th, 2024
- Experts agree: The fasting-mimicking diet may be the key to longevity - Longevity.Technology - February 27th, 2024
- Daily habits of a longevity expert : TED Radio Hour - NPR - December 30th, 2023
- Why does fruitcake last so long? Ingredients and preparation of the dessert play into its longevity - Fox News - December 30th, 2023
- Interviews of 2023: the longevity companies - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- Nancy Wilson Discusses Longevity of Heart & Family Drama Within the Band Ahead of New Year's Eve Show in Seattle - American Songwriter - December 30th, 2023
- What Will It Take To Make Super-Aging Not So Super-White? - Well+Good - December 30th, 2023
- Arteta on Moyes and longevity in coaching | Quotes | News - Arsenal.com - December 30th, 2023
- New Years resolution guide: 5 steps to a healthier 2024 from a longevity expert - Fox News - December 30th, 2023
- Interviews of 2023: the longevity visionaries - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- The Top 11 Longevity Tips Of 2023, From The mindbodygreen Podcast | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - December 30th, 2023
- Why LeBron James' longevity is unmatched in the NBA | Good Word with Goodwill - Yahoo Sports - December 30th, 2023
- Short vs long fasts: What is the ideal length for longevity? - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- Centenarians share the secrets to living a long, healthy life - Fox Business - December 30th, 2023
- Rob Lowe on Turning 60 Soon & His Secret to Career Longevity (Exclusive) - Extra - December 30th, 2023
- Investigating the longevity and diversity of South Asian miniature traditions - STIRworld - December 30th, 2023
- The Silent Threat of Hypochondria: Impact on Longevity and Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Longevity: What lifestyle habits could help you live to 100? - December 22nd, 2023
- Aiming for longevity - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- How Long Can We Live? - The New York Times - December 22nd, 2023
- This Was the Year of Obsessing Over Longevity - GQ - December 22nd, 2023
- Menopause Age Looms Over Women. Efforts to Prevent it Could Extend Fertility. - Bloomberg - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity: Is exercise the key to a longer, healthier life? - Medical News Today - December 22nd, 2023
- The #1 Sign You'll Live to 100, According to Longevity Experts - Gwinnettdailypost.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Cowboys Take On Dolphins, How Longevity Factors Into Hall of Fame Election and More - The 33rd Team - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity Hacks Are Coming to Your Gym - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- 106-year-old woman shares hobbies, habits she says helped longevity - Business Insider - December 22nd, 2023
- Tips to Improve Your Health & Longevity in the New Year - KATU - December 22nd, 2023
- NN Group gets 13bn longevity risk transfer with Prudential and Swiss Re - Reinsurance News - December 22nd, 2023
- A fresh perspective on longevity - savannahmagazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Este Lauder targets age reversal with Stanford Center on Longevity partnership - Cosmetics Business - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity means taking a proactive approach to prevention - Longevity.Technology - December 22nd, 2023
- Decoding Longevity: Centenarian Traits and Aging Research - BNN Breaking - December 22nd, 2023
- Brain Age: The Science of Cognitive Longevity - BNN Breaking - December 22nd, 2023
- The Role of Exercise in Longevity: A Holistic Approach to Health and Fitness - Medriva - December 22nd, 2023
- Get interventions to market and to people faster and cheaper - Longevity.Technology - December 22nd, 2023
- Humans Could Live up to 150 Years, New Research Suggests - May 17th, 2023
- The ingredients for a longer life - BBC Future - May 17th, 2023
- Life Expectancy by State 2023 - World Population Review - May 17th, 2023
- About Us - Fountain Life - May 17th, 2023
- Longevity: The Keys to Slow the Aging Process - Dr. Axe - March 29th, 2023
- "I got a 20-year contract. Giannis is going to play for 20 more years" - Mike Budenholzer on the longevity of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the... - January 23rd, 2023
- "I think Nadal has been doing a great job of that in the last four or five years": McEnroe believes Murray needs to shorten points for... - January 23rd, 2023
- Jon Voight is 'blessed' to have had such a long Hollywood career - Yakima Herald-Republic - November 7th, 2022
- USD Index to sink to 103 by end-2023 amid greater certainty and longevity of Dollar downtrend Westpac - FXStreet - November 7th, 2022
- Retirement Calculator | Northwestern Mutual - October 15th, 2022
- The Longevity Investors Conference Gstaad brought together longevity experts and deep-pocketed investors - Cointelegraph - October 15th, 2022
- Do you think ageing can be reversed? Here are 12 longevity startups to watch - Sifted - October 15th, 2022
- 'SNL' Gig Was a Risk Rob Lowe Credits for His Longevity: 'I Had People in My Life Telling Me - TheWrap - October 15th, 2022
- Wellness and longevity brand Serotonin Centers to open in Nashville - Tennessean - October 15th, 2022
- Lesley Stahl on longevity of '60 Minutes': 'That clock is still there' - USA TODAY - October 15th, 2022
- 4 Recipes With Corn, Beans, and SquashThe Three Sisters Ingredients That Blue Zone Centenarians in Costa Rica Eat Every Day - Well+Good - October 15th, 2022
- The Search for a Pill That Can Help Dogsand HumansLive Longer - WIRED - October 15th, 2022
- Supontis vs Dogecoin, Which Cryptocurrency Has Greater Longevity In The Market? - Coinpedia Fintech News - October 15th, 2022
- Louisville Zoo says goodbye to one of world's oldest gorillas - Evening News and Tribune - October 15th, 2022
- 'Prolong your lifespan': 5 'cheapest' foods that can boost longevity - Express - October 15th, 2022
- FOXO Technologies Announces First Distribution Partner and Begins Product Rollout in California; Expands Executive Team With Insurance Industry Talent... - October 15th, 2022
- The Best Workout To Slow Aging and Promote Longevity, Science Reveals Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 4th, 2022
- Share your story of loss or survival as part of The Longevity Project series on cancer - Summit Daily - September 4th, 2022
- Drinking two cups of tea a day is linked to boosted longevity - Women's Health UK - September 4th, 2022
- How the Asphalt Industry Can Improve Pavement Longevity - For Construction Pros - September 4th, 2022
- Longevity: Playing the Long Game in Ministry - The Gospel Coalition - September 4th, 2022
- Know 3 longevity secrets of the last USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev who died at the ripe age of 91 - Times Now - September 4th, 2022
- Tyrese Maxey Lauds LeBron James, Serena Williams, And Tom Brady For Their Longevity: "What Is In The Water Bron, Serena, And TB12... - September 4th, 2022
- 'There Should be Some Reward for Longevity in This Game'-Kiwi Pacer Wants Change In Central Contracts - News18 - September 4th, 2022
- Kinesiology and Public Health Emeriti Honored | CSUF News - CSUF News - September 4th, 2022